Classification Essay Writing Guide
Division and classification essay is based on descriptions, characteristics,
supporting details, and illustrations. While writing classification essay
one needs to organize things into groups each having its own
characteristics. There are three key words to keep in mind while writing
classification essay: set, scheme, and classes. Set is the list of
characteristics common for a specific group. For example, students share
such characteristics as age. Scheme is the standard or function by which
sets are sorted into classes. In simple words, scheme is methods of
selection. Things are included into classes based on shared characteristics
(different from other classes). Alternatively, classification division essay
can break one subject into subcategories. For example, if topic for a
classification essay is humans, one may break this concept into females and
males or children and adolescents, and show how two categories are related.
Deciding on the order of presentation is probably the most important step of
classification division essay writing. One may start either with the most
important and move on to the least important, or one can make the weak point
at first and then provide stronger arguments. One can also experiment with
the order and select the pattern which you like the most. It is encouraged
to edit classification essay several times, to change the order of
paragraphs, to revise, and add/eliminate sentences or phrases.
Categories form an essential part of classification essays and should be
logically formed. For example, if one has decided to sort cloths, the focus
should be on the following categories: clean cloth, dirty cloth, cloth to
throw away, cloth to give to someone, cloth to wear in winter/summer, etc.
Similar pattern should be used while writing classification division essay.
Thesis statement depends on the topic one has chosen and should include the
topic, classification pattern, and main categories. Be critical while
determining the categories and be sure not to exclude some vital elements.
Provide the same number of examples for each class or category. For example,
provide two examples for each of three categories.
Classification division essays present a challenging assignment especially
for students who have not accomplished this type of writing before. They
remain a very controlled form of expression that thrives on creativity and
ingenuity.
